Combined Force Detains Taliban Leader

From an International Security Assistance Force Joint Command News Release

KABUL, Afghanistan, July 17, 2012 – An Afghan and coalition security force detained a Taliban leader during an operation in the Archi district of Afghanistan’s Kunduz province today, military officials reported.

The detained leader was directly responsible for planning and coordinating attacks against Afghan and coalition forces throughout the region, officials said.

Officials said the detained Taliban leader was also responsible for the shipment of explosive components to insurgents across the district.

In other Afghanistan operations today:

-- In the Sangin district of Helmand province, a combined force detained a Taliban leader and several suspected insurgents. The Taliban leader commands multiple insurgents and coordinates attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

-- A combined force detained several suspects during a search for a Taliban weapons dealer in the Achin district of Nangarhar province. The weapons dealer provides firearms, explosives and improvised explosive device-making components to other Taliban insurgents. He also participated in attacks against Afghan and coalition forces.

In July 13 operations:

-- A combined force detained Mullah Noor Mohammad, a Taliban leader, in the Tarin Kot district of Uruzgan province. Mohammad controlled a large group of Taliban fighters in the area and was responsible for the facilitation and production of IEDs throughout the region. He was also responsible for several attacks against Afghan and coalition forces and against Afghan civilians.